DIY/ How to

Find out how to recreate this carefree, colourful – but not overpowering – child’s play corner with these painting and decorating tips and tricks. With children’s favourite games, toys and craft materials at hand in easily accessible storage, let the fun begin! How to create a fun and stimulating playroom A playroom or play area is just […]

We quiz interiors expert Alex Fulton for her tips and tricks for hanging a brilliant gallery wall. Kate Spade NYC gallery wall, here we come! There are a few simple steps to follow to hang a good-looking gallery wall: 1 Lay out all your artwork on the floor under the wall that you are planning to use. […]

The Block NZ host and editor of Your Home and Garden, Shelley Ferguson, shares her top tips for achieving a creative kid’s room that’s full of individuality and personality. From encouraging sleep to adding fun zones and a sense of adventure, these tricks will have children falling in love with their bedrooms in no time […]

Stylist Sam Smith shows you four clever ways to re-purpose baskets to add a chic, rustic edge to any room How to make a dip-dyed planter Using masking tape, tape around the centre of the basket where you want the paint to finish. Paint the bottom half of the basket. Once dry, carefully remove tape. […]

Have you got your eye on a plant in a friend’s garden and want the same type of plant of your own? It’s easy – take a cutting How to grow plants from cuttings Not only is growing plants from cuttings rewarding and cheap, it’s easy! The best time to do it is late autumn/early winter. One of the […]

Previously from The Block NZ, Marty joins the YH&G team to show us how to put together a desk that’s kind on your time and pocket Materials you will need 2 x bookcases;  2 x cans spray paint;  18mm plywood;  Click-in flooring;  Wood glue;  Timber surround;  Nails;  Clear varnish;  8 screws Tools you will need Tape measure; Hand […]

With ball season in sight, we’ve created this fun how-to with floral superstar Eden Hessel to help you create your own floral corsage A corsage is a mini arrangement of floral blooms, worn on the wrist for special occasions such as school balls. For this fresh white corsage you will need: -Ranunculus -Ivy -Asparagus fern […]

We’ve dreamed up four projects using vinyl, including this awesome headboard! Create your own vinyl headboard -You’ll need a piece of 7mm plywood cut to 1600mm x 800mm (for queen bed). -Buy a piece of vinyl 1660mm square. Fold in half, right sides together, and slowly sew the 3 open sides (a normal sewing-machine needle […]

Why not show off your little one in a personalised photo gift from Warehouse Stationery? With over 30 gifting options the hardest decision will be deciding what item to give Create four projects using baby photos including greeting cards, photo stickers, an iPhone cover and a key ring Products to use: Personalised Gift Card 5×7” SinPle […]

As the temperature drops, we chat to linen expert and Wallace Cotton owner Paula Wallace about how to transition you bed from summer to winter – and what the ideal winter bed looks like How do I transition my linen in those awkward months between late summer and autumn/winter without totally swapping my bedlinen out? […]

Looking for creative ways to display your favourite photos? If it’s a statement piece for your wall or something small enough to keep in your pocket, these four ideas have got you covered How to get the look: Initial photo collage Renew Barwood 16×22” black frame $13.99 | A2 white linen Kascard sheet of card $2.89 | […]

Bring together a simple colour palette, great lighting, timber textures and streamlined cabinet handles for a kitchen that’s warm and contemporary Clean lines and texture Kitchens are notoriously expensive to make changes to, so pick a look that will stand the test of time. Stylist Annick Larkin has opted for a simple white, chrome and timber […]

When painting a room, always start with the ceilings first. Paint and prep them just as you would the walls. Here’s how… You will need Quick-release painter’s tape Sealer/primer Paint Paint tray Paint roller Roller sleeve – choose one depending on the desired finish Two-inch angled paintbrush Ladder Getting started Step 1 Is your ceiling […]

Create a  personalised garland using a collection of your favourite family photographs What you need Assorted cardboard in two or three colours Scissors Compass cutter Family photographs Single hole-punch Jute string Plastic cutting mat How to Step 1:  Use a 5cm radius for the larger discs and 3.5cm for smaller discs.  Using a compass cutter, […]

Time to crack open your cool colour-coordinated notepads and pencil cases – school’s back for yet another year And while studying for maths exams and weekend homework sessions, well, kind of suck, the good part is that organising your desk at home for the year ahead can be straight-up fun.  The problem?  A total refurb […]

Here is what to consider when renovating the living room, from interiors expert Lizzi Hines of Spaceworks and Room by Room Consider how you’d like to use your living space. Do you want open-plan living or something you can close off? Is it a family lounge, with a TV, or adults only? Figure out if you […]

A pegboard storage system encourages you to be a little bit tidier while looking ever so stylish Entrance/hallway Although the entrance is one of the busiest places in the home, it should ideally give visitors a feel for what your home is all about – and this is where a pegboard becomes your secret anti-clutter […]

These stylish leather loops will turn cluttered work areas into hubs of efficiency To make one strap, you will need 1 metre x 25mm vegetable leather (ours came from Lapco Leather) Ruler Craft knife Power drill or screwdriver 1 copper nail or screw (ours came from Bunnings) 100mm steel ring (optional) Etch primer (optional) Spray […]

Stylist Samantha Totty presents four simple projects using wool. Any colour will do! 1. Pom pom twigs Secure the end of a strip of wool in your palm using your thumb. With your other hand, wrap the wool around three joined fingers 100 times. Slide the wool off your fingers. Tie an 8-inch piece of […]

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so here’s how to give it a deep and satisfying clean How to deep clean your fridge 1. Turn the power off at the wall. 2. Remove food […]

Renting out your room or apartment can be a great way to earn a little (or a lot) extra. But before you jump in, make sure you know what you’re getting into Everything you need to consider before listing your property on a holiday rental site The ever growing popularity of short-term holiday rental sites […]

These pretty hanging bottles are so simple to make and would be perfect for an alfresco lunch, party or wedding You will need: An assortment of bottles or jars Twine Any floral stems you have to hand (we used dahlias and white roses). Instructions: Fill bottles with a small amount of water Add flowers and hang […]

This gorgeous scheme for a girl’s room allows plenty of scope for growth This room cleverly combines soft pink with a wall of metallic gold stripes to create a girl’s haven that can grow with her. Rather than opting for an overwhelmingly pink theme – which has a limited life span – soft dusty pinks […]

Use a paper doily to spruce up everyday objects with these easy instructions Buy your doilies, notebooks, envelopes and wrapping paper from Warehouse Stationery. Visit warehousestationery.co.nz for all your craft needs. Photography by: Sevak Babakhani/bauersyndication.com.au.

In this installment of our renovation series, we take a look a children’s rooms and how to ensure they’re functional and future-proofed How to ensure your child’s bedroom style is future-proof If you have children, you want a room that will suit them now as well as in the future. But don’t think that you […]

We’ve got four clever DIY projects using beach towels by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Beach towel linen If you love the pattern of your beach towels, why not turn them into a bath mat, facecloth and hand towels? One beach towel should get you all these items. Use your existing bathroom towels as a cutting guide. […]

Callum and Caroline won a kitchen renovation with Mitre 10 and the help of a stylist to choose fixtures and fittings. The result? A light, bright and modern makeover that ticks every box Who lives here? Caroline Jericevich (customer manager) and Callum Bakker (project manager). Where is it? Point Chevalier, Auckland. Lived here… Since April 2015. How long did the […]

From gifts, to wrapping and decor, we’ve got your Christmas style covered with these cost-effective and fun festive ideas. Time to get your yule on! 23 festive ideas that will make you excited for Christmas You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a wonderful Christmas, in fact, we think sometimes it is the simple […]

Studying will become top of the agenda with a colourful workspace makeover like this one Ideally every teenager should have a space where they can study, research or do creative projects. Much like a child’s bedroom, a study space needs to evolve over time. The most important thing to consider in creating a study space […]

We’ve got four easy Christmas craft ideas using glitter, dreamed up by stylist Vanessa Nouwens Get the look Plastic baubles and glitter from Spotlight; Motex label maker and tape from Tea Pea; gold cube from Shut The Front Door; candle and jar from Look Sharp; all other props, stylist’s own. Photos by: Wendy Fenwick @ Flash […]

Forgo a traditional pine or artificial Christmas tree for these creative alternatives Getting twiggy with it Arrange twisted willow (or similar) in a large jar. Twist battery-operated seed lights around branches. Thread on dried or fresh flowers (we used ‘Chinese Snowball’ viburnum). Add decorations. Get the look: White stool, $85, from Flotsam & Jetsam; hanging […]

Make your own modern decorations and gifts with fimo. We show you how Candle holder You will need: 2 packets of Fimo (black and white) • Ruler • Knife • Tealight candle • Baking tray and baking paper 1 Soften up the packets of Fimo by rolling in your hands until pliable, then roll each colour […]

Create these feathered headbands for your next children’s party using leather and ribbon You will need Craft knife, leather strips, double-sided tape; feathers; ribbon How to make them Using a ruler and a craft knife or scissors, cut two soft leather strips to 20mm wide and around 300mm long (kids may need help with this […]

Embellish plain gift tags with metallic tape. Move over washi tape, there’s a new kid in town. You will need: A4 white card (220gsm) Hole punch Scissors Adhesive metallic tape (available from Spotlight, Typo and $2 shops) Ribbon, twine or thin cord Cut out template provided and trace around the gift tag onto white card […]

The ancient art of Japanese fabric dying is used in four creative ways by stylist Catherine Wilkinson Framed artwork Cut a piece of untreated cotton to fit inside a frame so edges are visible. Tie a rubber band around a small bunch of fabric in the centre, then continue to tie bands around the rest […]

It’s possible to give a shared bedroom an individual feel using cool and contemporary paint effects Designing for two Decorating a shared children’s room can be tricky, as the occupants are bound to have different ideas about how it should look. Search for some common ground between the two – a theme, colour or object […]

Try this easy, cost-effective Christmas DIY idea How to – Fill up fillable plastic baubles with star confetti and shake around. – Add more confetti until you are happy with the effect inside. – Mixing two colours together looks great; or use coloured feathers or baby pom poms instead. – Tie some fine ribbon, cord […]

Make your presents pop this Christmas with four beautiful wrapping ideas that won’t break the bank Decals Who says decals are only for walls? Transform plain gift boxes or bags with packets of decals and make some matching gift tags. This is a great wrapping project to do with kids. Shopping list Boxes Plain gift bags […]

Living present Cut a large square from wrapping paper. With patterned side facing up, fold paper in half in a triangle shape (keep the point at the top). Fold right corner over towards left side, keeping the top edge of the flap parallel to bottom fold. Repeat with the left side. Fold down the front […]

Your Home and Garden stylist Sam Smith creates four clever projects using brass tubing How to make a wall hanging With pipe cutters, cut three pieces of brass tubing three different sizes. Measure out 12 pieces of merino. Fold in half and loop two onto the shortest part of brass tubing by passing the free […]

Foodie and founder of Kikki.K Kristina Karlsson shares tips for meal planning, stress-free shopping and recipe filing If there’s one surprising thing about me that not everyone knows, it’s that I’m a complete foodie! I absolutely love flicking through gorgeous new cookbooks and magazines or scrolling through some of my favourite blogs, finding new inspiring […]

Get to work on your home office with these simple and practical daily tasks Day 1 Throw away old documents you don’t need – tax-related documents and supporting financial statements need to be kept for seven tax years; general bank documents for one year. Day 2 Change to the ‘receive by email’ option many utility companies […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bedroom Day 1 Establish a current and easily accessible wardrobe. Unorganised spaces have a de-energising effect, which is the opposite of what you need at the beginning and end of each day. Sort through your clothing, keeping what you love and what fits you […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free living spaces and bedrooms. sarahlaurielifestyles.com Day 1 Find objects a home. The living room is often one of the largest spaces in the house, however for this reason it can easily turn into a dumping ground for items you’ll ‘put away later’. Much of […]

Create storage baskets to match you own style and colour scheme YOU WILL NEED Straw (or similar) baskets Paint testpots (thick house paint works best) Sturdy paint brushes Chalk Drop cloth Check the area of the baskets you wish to paint for any loose threads or unwoven pieces of straw. Using chalk, map out a […]

Life coach Sarah Laurie shares her ideas for calm and clutter-free bathroom in just four days Day 1 Take everything out of drawers and wipe clean. Throw away expired products. Put products in similar groups, and allocate a space for them. Use drawer dividers and bins that can slide away to keep products organised and […]

With ANZ, Homes to Love is exploring the ways we live now, under the theme of ‘Flexible Spaces’ – and how this trend allows us to live and build today. Spare rooms often end up as the “guest room”; aka the storage room that’s hardly used. With space at a premium in many homes, why […]

Clear the clutter at your place with these simple and practical daily tasks How to organise your home and clear the clutter Set a goal for how you want your home to look and feel, and make decisions with that goal in mind. Don’t bring anything into the house that doesn’t fit with that goal. It’s […]

Get folding to create these simple paper ornaments in a wash of subtle yet sophisticated colours. You will need: 1 metre of leather cord (for approximately 6 decorations) Coloured card stock Double-sided tape Craft knife Ruler  Steps Scan the templates and print out at desired size. Trace the templates onto card stock and cut out […]

Professional organiser Natalie Jane from Be Organised shares her top five tips for creating practical living spaces for little ones. beorganised.co.nz Day 1 Declutter. Be honest with your decisions – have they grown out of that dress, toy, game or book? Whatever the item may be, if they have outgrown it or no longer use it either give […]

Get inspired by the latest colour and finishing trends to transform your workspace from drab to fab this summer. Colour is the finishing touch to any living space according to Resene paint expert Greer Clayton, who says paint allows us to be bold and have fun with colour. She talks us through the latest colour […]

Although it obviously does take more time, propagating plants from seed isn’t difficult if you choose the right varieties. There is also a wider range of plant seeds available these days than seedlings. And better still many can be gathered from your own plants or those of friends and neighbours. Our 10-step guide will get […]

Get creative with old magazines. A – for effort Choose a block letter you wish to cover. Select your colour palette and cut pages from a magazine. Cover the letter with a layer of papier mâché to act as a base. Wrap white straws with approximately 70mm strips of the magazine pages. Apply a light […]

Give plastic trays a quick and easy designer update using fabric and glue. You will need Plastic tray (ours are from Look Sharp) Fabric – a fat quarter (45.5cm by 56cm) is the perfect size (ours is from Spotlight) Mod Podge (available from Spotlight) Paint brush Scissors STEPS: Cut a piece of fabric big enough […]

Create pretty scalloped bunting to hang inside or out when entertaining You will need  ½ a metre of oil cloth (ours is Marimekko ‘Siirtolapuutarha’ coated fabric from Bolt of Cloth, 1450mm wide. For oil cloth that isn’t as wide you will need 1 metre to create 3 metres of bunting) Scissors Pins 3 metres of […]

Before you read on, always start with the ceiling, to learn how to paint a ceiling click here. Now you’re ready to start painting the room: What You Need Quick release painter’s tape Sealer/Primer Paint Paint tray Paint-roller Roller sleeve, depending on the desired finished there are different types of roller sleeves Two-inch angled paintbrush […]

Apply the finishing touches to your paint job by tackling the skirting, molding and trims So you’ve read and accomplished How to: Paint a ceiling, along with How to: Paint a room Follow these three simple steps to complete the finishing touches on skirting, trim and archtraves Wait until the walls and the ceiling are dry. […]

Leftover wrapping paper doesn’t have to be destined for the dustbin. Get inspired and add fun style to your home with these easy projects Supplies by: Walls in Resene ‘Triple Concrete’; aqua wall spot decals from KM2creative; wrapping paper from kikki.K; tassel garland from Collected; boxes and vases from Zest Products; all other products stylist’s […]